Obstacles

There are events that bring more clarity to mind than others. How is it possible to walk by faith when sight is our only dependance?
It is at such times when the Lord appears to perform a magic trick right in front of our eyes. Presto! What we had been fixing our gaze on for so long and from which had gained a certain amount of comfort - disappears. At what are we to look now?
Oh yes, how about God's Word, that which brings comfort to the weary. In Hebrews 12:2 we read, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
My eyes have not failed me in the midst of difficulties. The problem is at what are my eyes fixed upon? I can see crowded quarters for the men. 54 men jammed into a 2,700 square foot building having 2 toilets, stools and showers. I can see the struggles against frustration with some of the men. I see the commercial dryer located in the men's dorm space. I see the dining tables hooked by rope and pulleys to the ceiling being lowered for meals and raised during the balance of the day for meetings. Lord, let me see Jesus, the One who is much more concerned about the men's living conditions and struggles than I.
O Lord, allow me to be satisfied in You ... but bring in the necessary funds for the gravely needed Men's Residence. Thank you.
- posted by Keith @ 7:40 PM

God is sovereign

It is easy to declare one's confidence in a God who rules over all things and does all things for His own purpose and glory; but is makes swallowing a bit difficult when things don't go as I think and trust that they will.
God has providentially spoken. The M.J. Murdock Trust has denied our grant application. A reapplication is not possible for Phase II though it is possible for Phase III.
What does all of this mean as for future steps? Don't ask me today, please. :-) There is still some swallowing that needs to be done first! But I am still convinced that He is more than able for this task; may also we be.
Thanks for your prayers and concerns. Our King Jesus is still the Ruler under whose scepter we joyfully serve.
- posted by Keith @ 2:11 PM

Prayer Need

Thursday, February 22nd, we will take a big step in seeing Wagner Hall, Phase II, continued toward completion ... providing we receive a positive response from the M.J. Murdock Trust. We have a pending matching grant request with them for $300,000 and their review day for applications is the 22nd. Please, ask the Lord to show us His favor through them in their granting of these badly needed funds. I know that He is able to supply all our needs in a whole host of ways but I am trusting the the Murdock Trust is just one of those ways. Thank you.


- posted by Keith @ 8:44 AM

It is sadly surprising how little God's Law has to do with contemporary Christian faith. If one wants to hear the shrieking begin just say something similar to "God's Law is binding upon New Testament believers," then duck!
As the Confession states "Sin is any lack of conformity unto or transgression of the Law of God" (Question 15). But today we have reduced sin down to "A lack of love". A lack of love for what, one might ask? Then there is the look that comes. The lack of love for oneself that would force you to go and do something that you know won't make you happy. Sad.
What a relief it is to have some clear boundries in order to know where the dangers lurk. Having sexual encounters with anyone other than my spouse - well, that's sin. A failure to minister in kindness to those who are hurting - well, that's sin. Pretty simple, but also pretty overwhelming and it is that overwhelming part that forces us to realize that we, in and of ourselves, simply cannot keep God's Law. And this is where Jesus Christ comes to our rescue.
But I don't need rescuing if there is any possibility to do things myself. And that is just one of the great negatives about reducing sin down to my feelings and away from God's clear instruction in His Word.
Our Father, be merciful to us to teach us Your Law.
- posted by Keith @ 8:39 PM